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Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy (Proverbs 31:8-9, NIV).
Our desire is to speak up for the poor and needy in Greenville. They can not exercise any right for justice or equal treatment and have no influence among the community. They rely on ministries like ours to speak for them, to give them “a voice” so they can speak for themselves. We do this by listening to them and helping them without expecting anything in return. We are concerned about their health, whether they are cold at night, have any food to eat, and their spiritual condition. We speak for them each Tuesday night.
Each week there are as many different stories as there are poor and needy. One individual continues to battle with depression because his girl friend died recently and he some how feels responsible. We were told just this week that he made a profession of faith after discussing the situation with a local pastor. We pray that God will richly bless him in Christ Jesus. Another regular continues to have difficulty with an injury while working as a day laborer. He limps away each Tuesday night looking for a place to sleep. Then there was another who this week was not in any condition to sing and play the piano at the end of the night. He was battling his old addiction again and he seemed to be losing. Some nights are better than others. Then there was a couple seeking a ride to a local truck stop in order to hitch a ride with a “big rig” to California where they have steady work. Others needs include medicine, clean clothes, food, and an encouraging conversation with someone who cares.
We are always prepared to provide food for the body and especially their spirit through God’s Word. But the needs can be as different as the individuals we minister to each Tuesday. But God is faithful and always allows us to meet most needs. We pray each Tuesday night that we can meet as many needs as possible. This week we were privileged to provide 75 hot meals with the help of 18 volunteers.
This week Paul continued with Romans 13 with the over-all theme of submission to authority. This is a very difficult concept for everyone. The Apostle Paul instructs us to submit to the governing authority because they are the instruments of God. This is a message that our prideful nature battles with. Only through God’s transformation of our heart can we truly submit to anyone, especially God. But Christians are instructed to submit to all authority. This includes the governing authority, as well, to one another in the fear of the Lord. Why? To escape the wrath of God. Pride does not allow our submission but it is important that we subject ourselves for escaping the wrath, and for conscience sake for the love of virtue. Blessings will flow to us from our submission.
Paul asked me to announce that Food for Life will move to Thursday nights instead of Tuesday night starting May 29 for six weeks. Our last Tuesday night will be May 20th. Paul and Charity will participate in a birthing class in preparation for the arrival of their child and my granddaughter. We all can’t wait.
~Marc
